Magna City Shining Congress – Main Lobby

[Namohysip]

Arthur was already long gone. There was a slight chance that they would be able to follow him, or at least track him, but... they had hardly made any form of prep for that.

Wait--

Betel. If at all possible, try to contact Mew. He might be able to trail Arthur for tracking.

None of them had hope of keeping up. Mhynt could, but the stamina drain of Teleport wouldn't allow anything long-term.

Owen, in the fleeting time they had, tried to get a read of Articuno. "I think Articuno is coming around, but..."

"But we need to beat that corruption out regardless," Mhynt completed. Then, in some feeble attempt to save face, she shouted loudly so they could be heard, "But if we are to spar, perhaps let those in this building not keen to fight leave!"

"Aren't the others also sort of corrupted?" Owen commented.

"Hush, I'm trying to make us look good so this doesn't blow up politically," Mhynt growled.

"I don't know what that means...!"

 

[Shiny Phantump]

When Arthur arrived, Gladion… hesitated. On one hand, Articuno was clearly out of it. He didn’t know what they were doing, and they were clearly dangerous. On the other hand, if Arthur died here… that was good, right? There was no way in hell he could stop Articuno, but it felt wrong to encourage what they were doing either. Maybe that was cowardice: Several Wayfarers had come to stronger conclusions. He should have helped. If he’d tried to trap Arthur… No, it probably wouldn’t have made a difference. That was what he chose to believe, lest he be stuck pondering what-ifs forever.

The idea of being afraid of Articuno wasn’t new to him, but it was something he’d thought he’d left behind when they’d started having real conversations. Apparently, it was not.

“So, are you still in minor aura irregularity territory, or are you completely out of it now?”

The attempted barb would probably have landed better if he sounded angry instead… worried, at best. He squared up anyway. He just had to think of it like another sparring match, and then maybe it wouldn’t feel as bad. (He’d never know if that would have worked: he’d already failed to frame it that way by the time it occurred to him to try.)

“You’re not helping anyone. Please… don’t do this.”

 

[Butterfree]

This innocuous meeting they were supposed to be having had turned into one big clusterfuck.

Arthur was an insane megalomaniac legendary, and now he was also some kind of unholy psychic puppetmaster. Articuno was pumped full of Blacklight and insisting they have a fight for some reason. Everyone was acting fucking weird, like Arthur was remote-controlling them, too. Stopping Arthur honestly sounded like a good idea, but stopping him only to be left with another legendary hopped-up on exotic energies wasn't exactly the greatest of plans either.

At least he'd brought his battle supplies on his utility belt.

"Hey, Articuno," he growled anyway as he nosed through his bag, "remember how these energies are really fucking dangerous and with great power comes great responsibility? You're really, really going to want to take another deep breath or two."

 

[Jackie Cat]

Betel. If at all possible, try to contact Mew. He might be able to trail Arthur for tracking.

Understood, Mhynt. I will also do my best to track his aura signature.

“So, are you still in minor aura irregularity territory, or are you completely out of it now?”

"I am not myself, master Gladion," murmured Articuno, solemnly. Their voice wavered ever so slightly...

“You’re not helping anyone. Please… don’t do this.”

The Saint shook their head. "It is too late. I must. We must battle. There is no other possibility. It is already long past time to take action... To let go now would undo me."

"Hey, Articuno," he growled anyway as he nosed through his bag, "remember how these energies are really fucking dangerous and with great power comes great responsibility? You're really, really going to want to take another deep breath or two."

"Responsibility...?" hissed the great bird. "I have been neglecting my responsibility. I have stood by and WATCHED while that would-be king remade my Covenant – MY Covenant – into something vile! I should have acted before you were even born."

The ancient Saint spread wide their wings, and teleported away from the ruins of Arthur's office. Without their feathered bulk dominating the area, their soldiers' lesser Blacklight corruption became more obvious.

There was Sam, the Chesnaught, stood amongst thorns and spines in the garden patio, her head bowed and her fists clenched. Above the Wayfarers, Ser Zaffre looked down from the balcony, sword drawn and back stiff, the tip of her blade trembling from her shaking grip. On the eastern rooftop was Ser Aster, teeth clenched in a feral grimace, hunched over with her foreclaws gripping the masonry hard enough to chip and shatter stone.

"Something's... odd," muttered Laura, mostly to herself. "I need to... I need to think..."

Atop the parapet at the north side of the Congress' wing, Articuno's harsh cry sounded out and the rooftops vanished beneath an icy storm, thick and white enough to stop one's vision.

Articuno's Storm!
Snow shades came to life...
Articuno became Coldhearted.

"I have shackled myself for decades," keened Articuno, as if consumed by grief and shame. "Can you understand? Will you? We shall see if you have sufficient will to act..."

Immediately after, a wave of mental power rippled through the gathered Wayfarers, disrupting their very auras.

Articuno's Blacklight Veto!
Wayfarer Abilities are nullified until end of turn.

Laura clutched at her chest, groaning. "Oh, howls I hate this, I feel fucking drunk or something..."

"I won't let you fall to him," Articuno repeated, desperately. "This is all to save you. To save the world."

Have courage, Wayfarers! Articuno is not wholly mad; we can surely get through to them. But first we must weaken them, and to do that we must beat their allied forces. Be on your guard for surprises.

Sorry about the loss of your Abilities. I am working the problem, and should have them restored shortly...

VS
Blacklight Lord, Articuno​

[ ] Objective: defeat Articuno's soldiers [0/3]
[ ] Objective: get through to Articuno somehow.
[ ] Objective: defeat Articuno.

 

[Tetra]

A few sparks crackled through Koa's fur and his entire body was rigid as he watched Articuno, ready to intercede if they tried to lash out at Anubis, the other half of his mind reeling as he pieced together the situation.

Articuno's response was was.... eerie. And yet... they weren't an enemy. Not the main one. Cut Arthur down. Yes. Dripping shadow and dreadful red eyes. Gone, just like He deserved.Legendaries had to protect their world. Why should this be different?

"We don't need to fight you, our goals are aligned!" he called, ignoring the curious look Anubis gave him. His words meant nothing. Too late. Not enough to stop this.

He caught Anubis' eyes and shared a nod. Fine. They were together on this, they'd faced worse only days before. Time to beat sense into another Saint.

He started to charge, brace himself for battle, only to feel a brief wave of imbalance followed by a strange softness in his pads... He flexed his paws and scowled. That won't stop me.

"Fine, show us you're strong enough, Articuno! If you can't get a grip then we don't need your help!" he howled, fury and frustration leaking into his challenge. This was pointless to fight now when there were more pressing problems to be solved.

 

[Namohysip]

Spoiler: Mhynt Turn 1

Mhynt (249 STM, 5 TMP, +0 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk (+0 MC) to Balcony
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- STRONG Toxic @ Balcony Guard (-30 STM, +5 TMP)
- Screech @ Balcony Guard (-15 STM, +2 TMP)
- Leaf Blade @ Balcony Guard (-21 STM, +4 TMP)
Net change: -66 STM, +16 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 183 STM (245 after regen), 21 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

Mhynt felt limber and ready enough, even in what felt like a creeping cold. Let's try to be careful about this one, Mhynt said.

What does that MEAN from you?

Nonlethal stabbing.

She swiftly climbed up and pointed a finger at the guard she spotted atop the balcony, then vanished behind for a swift strike.

"Slow down!" Zena growled, propelling herself to the balcony as well with a wave of water.

Spoiler: Zena Aux Turn 1

Zena (Aux)
- Caster Strike (Water) @ Balcony Guard

 

[Butterfree]

"Responsibility...?" hissed the great bird. "I have been neglecting my responsibility. I have stood by and WATCHED while that would-be king remade my Covenant – MY Covenant – into something vile! I should have acted before you were even born."

"Okay, cool, but the solution isn't turning it into the Dictatorship of Articuno either, you know?"

Not that there was any point talking to them right now, really. As Articuno vanished in a blink, Dave growled in frustration. They'd have to get up there into the mist. Fun dealing with a teleporting opponent.

He charged towards the balcony and the Meowstic up there.

Spoiler: Dave turn 1

Dave (242 STM, 5 TMP, +1 SPD, +1 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Balcony
- Hone Claws (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- Umbral Recklessness @ Zaffre (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-40 STM, -3 TMP, +4 TMP, +32 SHD)
- STRONG CRITICAL SHADOW Relentless Soul @ Zaffre (ACTIVATE: Umbral Aura) (-45 STM, -6 TMP, +6 TMP, +24 SHD) [STAB]
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -30 SHD, -30 RAD)
Net change: -97 STM, +8 TMP, +26 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 145 STM (217 after regen), 13 TMP, 26 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Shiny Phantump]

Gladion closed his eyes and tucked in his head as he pushed past the rocks Sam had set in the perimeter of the gardens. For once, his RKS System put up no resistance as he forced his type through it. No sparks or fanfare.

"You remember when we met? Back then, I probably would've been content to watch this whole place go to hell like this. Would've thought it was a great thing. You were the first one to get me to think that there might be some redeeming value in here somewhere."

By the time they were protecting the rift-mender from Matthias, he'd started to feel like she wasn't an enemy, but he'd still taken notice of how she fought. Reminded him of how Hazel'd fought back home, and the style he'd tried to emulate when he first arrived. He could hold up against it in a duel, but didn't so much want to see her use it on someone less cut out for brawling Isidora. Yes, it was his responsibility to protect everyone. Teammate and civilian alike.

Radiance flickered to life in his eyes and crest as he threw himself at Sam. As he approached, it arced off his skin and towards her like lightning seeking ground, binding, forming a new kind of trap. That's what he needed. Isolate her, keep everyone safe from her.

"Despite that, I still fully believed, back then, that we'd come to blows over the Coven in the future. Never would've imagined it'd come to pass like this, though."

Spoiler: Gladion Turn 1

Gladion (227 STM, 5 TMP, +1 SPD, +1 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Gardens
- Soul's Volition (-30 STM, +2 TMP) [Bug]
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ AI
- STRONG Tri Attack @ Sam (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-43.5 STM, -4 TMP, +6 TMP)
- Shining Vigilance @ Sam (-40 STM, +4 TMP, +40 RAD)
Net change: -107 STM, +13 TMP, +0 SHD, +20 RAD
Net totals: 120 STM (188 after regen), 18 TMP, 0 SHD, 20 RAD

 

[JFought]

Just as she got to her feet, the strange wave of energy Articuno released made Isidora stumble. Somehow, she felt less coordinated, and she couldn't tell if it was because of the attack or if she was still recovering.

Hardening into a battle stance, she grit her teeth and placed her claws on her shoulder. Damn you. I don't care whether you're in your right mind, I'm not in the mood for this shit. If they really wanted a fight, she'd already kicked their beak in before. She could do it again. Just need to cut through these three first.

But... She glanced back at the Phantom. What about him? He's still too weak to fight-

As if reading her thoughts, the sprigatito placed a paw on her belt. "Pay no heed to your shadow, Isidora. Your eyes must remain ahead."

Isidora looked away and scoffed. She scraped her claws together to psyche herself up. "Don't need you to tell me that..." Her eyes followed Mhynt as she scaled the balcony to reach the meowstic. "And you're not my shadow."

"But I could be."

I'm ignoring that. And then she followed up to join the fray.

Spoiler: Isidora Turn 1

Isidora (240 STM, 5 TMP, +0 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk (+0 MC) to Balcony
- **Act:** Item (Reflex Seed)
- Swords Dance (-18 STM, +3 TMP)
- Swift Soul @ Zaffre (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit, effect) (-30 STM, -5 TMP, +5 TMP)
- AGILE Feint Attack @ Zaffre (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-12 STM, +6 TMP)
- Feint Attack @ Zaffre (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-8 STM, +6 TMP)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Zaffre's Defenses
Net change: -68 STM, +15 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 172 STM (240 after regen), 20 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

~~~

Well, it wasn't the fight the Phantom Star expected, but it was far too late to curse it. Isidora was right to have some concern: he wouldn't dare to fight anyone head-on in this form. But that did not make him useless.

He followed Gladion towards the chesnaught. He had heard down the grapevine that she was a gentle soul. If so...

"We don't need to fight!" he shouted in a higher pitch. "You're not thinking clearly! You don't want to hurt us!"

And once under the weight of the chesnaught's stare, he conjured terror, shrunk down, pinned his ears back, and let his pupils dilate as wide as his irises.

"A-at least, y-you wouldn't hurt me, w-would you?" squeaked Twig.

Spoiler: Phantom Turn 1

Phantom (Aux)
- Rogue Hex (Charm) @ Sam

Spoiler: Turn Order

1. Mhynt
2. Dave
3. Laura
4. Malachai
5. Gladion
6. Isidora
7. Phantom
(Still need: Koa)

 

[Jackie Cat]

"Okay, cool, but the solution isn't turning it into the Dictatorship of Articuno either, you know?"

The bird's voice sounded out through the storm, high and clear and wracked with intense emotion.

"You think I want power? I have spent lifetimes standing aside, watching others make mistakes, and now I see that my inaction – my noble restraint! – has purchased disaster. What else would you have me do, convene a committee while Arthur seizes the minds of my friends and colleagues?"

"You remember when we met? Back then, I probably would've been content to watch this whole place go to hell like this. Would've thought it was a great thing. You were the first one to get me to think that there might be some redeeming value in here somewhere."

"Despite that, I still fully believed, back then, that we'd come to blows over the Coven in the future. Never would've imagined it'd come to pass like this, though."

Sam held Gladion's gaze with unveiled respect and chagrin.

"I don't wanna fight you, Gladion. But if I really gotta do it, I'll do it."

Through the storm came a keening sound from the Saint.

"I do not wish to be your enemy, Gladion – I never have! Even now, I wish your help and aid...!"

The words seemed to strike a chord of some kind...

Maybe if you made a proper Call...?

 

[Jackie Cat]

Laura watched everyone else flow into battle, with less fervour than they'd usually muster – for an enemy they all wanted to grind into sand, that was. She should be battling too, right? Adrenaline failed to spark in her at all. Her claws did not unsheath. She felt like she was trying to clench her fists straight from rolling out of bed, her muscles reluctant to turn up to the job.

She looked up at the storm, and the wisps of Blacklight energy that joined with its wind and ice. There was Blacklight in her, too – roiling gently beneath her skin. How did she feel?

She wondered if this was a fight worth having.

She wondered if the outcome really mattered.

She wondered if Articuno was right.

Just temporarily. Use the power together, stop Arthur, then... let go. Why not? Was there a good reason, a real reason?

"Snap out of it, girl!" came a harsh, chittering imperative from her noivern partner. "Make yourself useful! Your allies require aid!"

She blinked, glancing over at them. Yeah, she should buff up someone in the front lines, obviously. Whatever came of it.

She cleared her throat. "Right. Gain altitude, tell us what you can about Articuno's movements. If they have a weakness, we need to know about it."

Malachai rumbled in begrudging satisfaction. "I'll have it done," he replied, then took off into the air with a single vast downbeat of his great wings. Laura watched him soar, then turned back to her friends, her paws twitching with silver-and-black shimmerings. Wasn't this stuff supposed to be powerful?

She'd see just what she could do.

Laura's Blacklight Alchemist Skill! Gladion received various buffs!

Malachai's Spotter Skill! Malachai flew up high and got Combat Intel on Articuno's battle behaviour.

 

[Jackie Cat]

"We don't need to fight! You're not thinking clearly! You don't want to hurt us! A-at least, y-you wouldn't hurt me, w-would you?"

Whatever was going on with Articuno's soldiers, they certainly weren't brainwashed. The moment 'Twig' appealled to Sam, her face collapsed into anxious sympathy.

"Oh, man... Look, kiddo, you'd uh. You'd better stay clear of this, y'hear? It's not safe! Oh, golly..."

Sam was Charmed!
Sam's Atk fell from reluctance to battle!

 

[Jackie Cat]

Turn 1
Player Phase​

Another battle. Not even the first against Articuno... but the first against them while coursing with Blacklight energy. Like this, maybe it would be more like fighting what that energy represented... That is – the fear that the Wayfarers and the Covenant alike would fall under Arthur's total control, if they didn't join with Articuno...

Laura's RADIANT Alchemist Skill boosted Gladion!

Mhynt's STRONG Toxic badly Poisoned Zaffre!
Mhynt used Screech on Zaffre! -2 Def
Mhynt's Leaf Blade dealt 48 damage to Zaffre!

Dave's Umbral Recklessness dealt 58 damage to Zaffre! It's super effective!
Dave's STRONG SHADOW Relentless Soul dealt a CRITICAL 157 damage to Zaffre! It's super effective!

Gladion's STRONG Tri Attack dealt 20 damage to Sam! Burned!
Gladion's Shining Vigilance trapped Sam!
Gladion's Spotter Feat @ Sam's AI!

Sam's energy is a little confused right now – is she supporting her allies, neutralising outlaws, or putting on a show fight for the Duel Dome crowd? Her fighting style is subject to the state of her inner feelings, it seems.

Looks like she likes to soften up the foe with projectiles, and then go in for a wrestling slam...

Isidora's Swift Soul dealt 39 damage to Zaffre! It's super effective!
Isidora's AGILE Feint Attacks dealt 35+53 damage to Zaffre! It's super effective!
Isidora's Spotter Feat @ Zaffre's Defenses! Def: 260 Res: 300

Zena's Hydro Strike dealt 7 damage to Zaffre!
Phantom's Rogue Hex Charmed Sam! Atk also fell!
Malachai's Spotter Intel @ Articuno!

It's hard to predict what the Saint will do. But in this desperate, addled state, they're sure to channel their fears and impulses into powerful exotic moves. They've also been known to exploit fatigue by dropping opponents in difficult-to-escape situations rather than fight them directly. Be sure to keep some stamina and tempo in reserve...

Articuno has always been a coldly intellectual individual, with certain core principles. Perhaps well-reasoned arguments along philosophical lines would actually work to diminish their will to battle?

Gladion was damaged by Spikes!
Zaffre's Defensive Rhythm!

Soon after the Wayfarers' assault, Zaffre looked a lot weaker... Articuno's soldiers would hit back, but maybe the Wayfarers had grown strong enough to go toe to toe with any mortal 'mon by now? The Meowstic knight looked steady on her paws despite the rough attacks she'd endured, but her eyes filled with uncertainty...

Turn 2
Enemy Phase​

Sam heaved herself at Gladion, telegraphing the attack almost by reflex, and he dodged with ease. That was wrestling, not real battle...

"Let's not hurt each other," she said, an ache in her voice. "We aren't enemies, are we? We have the same problem, the same foe!"

She sprayed slim barbs over Gladion's head, providing suppressive fire to Zaffre, atop the balcony.

"Damnit, just... just throw this one, will ya?"

Sam used Bulk Up!
Sam's STRONG Body Press was dodged by Gladion!
Sam's Pin Missile was aimed at Isidora! Protect blocked three hits! The last two hits were dodged!
Sam used Spiky Shield!
Sam took cover!

The Flygon knight burst onto the balcony in a storm of attacks, even more intense and furious than when she'd fought Leaf before. Had she been training, or was this the power of Blacklight?

"You guys care about saving the world, right? Well, then stop making this difficult!"

Aster dashed to Balcony!
Aster's Quick Attack dealt 27 damage to Dave!
Aster's Quick Attack hit Mhynt's Protect!
Aster's Bulldoze dealt broke Mhynt's Protect!
Aster's Bulldoze dealt 53 damage to Dave! -1 Spd
Aster's Bulldoze dealt 50 damage to Isidora! -1 Spd
Aster's Sweeper Dragon Rush dealt 85 damage to Dave!
Aster's Sweeper Dragon Rush was dodged by Mhynt!
Aster's Sweeper Dragon Rush dealt 79 damage to Isidora!
Aster's U-Turn dealt 64 damage to Mhynt! It's super effective!
Aster retreated to Rooftop W.

Ser Zaffre sidestepped and turned and pivoted with her rapier, fending off attacks from three foes with hardly a slip or trace of panic. Then she began to counterattack.

"You've been a great help to this world so far. You still can be!"

Zaffre used Calm Mind!
Zaffre used Charm on Mhynt! -2 Atk
Zaffre's STRONG Alluring Voice dealt 133 damage to Isidora! It's super effective! Confused!
Zaffre dashed to Rooftop E, then walked to Courtyard.

Articuno flashed into existence to unleash a series of well-planned attacks, their battling form strong despite their turbulent mental state. They fought harder than they had previously, in that mere testing scrap on Teardrop Island.

"My allies shall be strengthened, with aid and arms appropriate to their mission," they declared, addressing no-one, their tactical mind bleeding into their psychic speech.

When they returned to their viewpoint upon the parapet, they stretched out a wing, and a faint halo of Blacklight aurora began to dance in the air around their soldiers...

Blacklight Lord flew to Rooftop E!
Blacklight Lord dashed to Parapet!
Blacklight Lord's AGILE Shadow Ball dealt 37 damage to Gladion!
Blacklight Lord's Shadow Ball dealt 72 damage to Mhynt!
Articuno Focused...
Legendary Action: Multi-Enemy Targeting!
Blacklight Lord's Ancient Power dealt 56 damage to Dave!
Blacklight Lord's Ancient Power dealt 57 damage to Mhynt!
Blacklight Lord's Ancient Power dealt 103 damage to Isidora! It's super effective!
Ancient Power gave +1 to all stats!
Blacklight Lord's BLACKLIGHT Teleport! Relocated to Parapet.

Dave, Gladion, and Isidora's Rhythm activated!
The Blacklight Veto expired! Abilities were reenabled.
The Blacklight Coup remains in effect.

Boss Attack: Blacklight Lord is preparing Brilliant Decree.
Target: [ALLIED UNITS GLOBALLY]

Be on your guard, Wayfarers! It looks like Articuno is about to empower their allies. Maybe you should subdue one of them before they become even stronger?

 

[Namohysip]

Mhynt couldn't get close enough yet. Too risky. They had to deal with the guards first, too, before all that noise could be neutralized. Then, perhaps they could try talking some sense into Articuno. They still weren't sure what they were trying to do, anyway... Best wait and see.

Do you need me yet? Owen asked.

Hold. I need to lay low for a moment.

For now, she focused on another guard.

Spoiler: Mhynt Turn 2

Mhynt (245 STM, 21 TMP, +0 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Gardens
- Toxic @ Sam (-20 STM, +3 TMP)
- **Act:** SHADOW Focus (+5 TMP)
- CRITICAL SHADOW Leaf Blade @ Sam (-21 STM, -10 TMP, +4 TMP, +16 SHD)
- STRONG Soul Enervation @ Sam (-45 STM, +6 TMP) [+2 Atk to Mhynt, -2 Saboteur Acc/Speed to Sam]
Net change: -86 STM, +8 TMP, +16 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 159 STM (221 after regen), 29 TMP, 16 SHD, 0 RAD

"Zena!"

"Yes!"

"Help the others for now!"

"Don't get reckless!" Zena warned, but slithered with more of the crowd to assist against the third guard. Dragon... she was used to fighting Flygon in spars, and that one was much faster. Striking this one would be a pittance.

But along the way, an injured Wayfarer caught her eye. She grunted. Flygon would be spared for now.

"You!" Zena called to Isidora. "Watch yourself. These foes are enhanced." She brought her ribbons forward and sent over a healing wave. Then, she continued to slither past.

Spoiler: Zena Turn 2

Zena (Aux)
- Healer Action @ Isidora (40% Heal)

 

[Shiny Phantump]

Gladion ducked out of the way of the incoming body press. A softball. She really didn't want to fight, which maybe shouldn't have been a surprise, but given the amount of corruption going on everywhere it was still kind of remarkable.

"Sam, listen, I'd love nothing more than to thrash Arthur's ass right now. But he's not here right now. What's happening right now is that Articuno has lost their mind with corruption. And they've spread it to everyone else in the Coven. If we don't knock Articuno out, it's not gonna end well for anyone involved, including them. I can't afford to throw this."

Maybe Sam could actually stand down. He doubted it. The corruption in her voice was audible, and that wasn't even where the problem ended if he understood the kind of power that Articuno was using on them correctly. They'd managed to put words in Laura's mouth. Could they also force Sam to fight for them? Made it feel less hypocritical to fight fire with fire, at least.

"So if you don't wanna fight, if you're still in your right mind, then leave. Otherwise, I gotta knock you out. The fact I don't want to fight you anymore isn't a factor."

The shadows he was beginning to conjure implied the outcome he expected. He expected loyalty. It's what the aristocrats she'd fled towards would've instilled in her. That was why he'd assumed he'd have to fight her one day to begin with. Whatever common ground they found wouldn't matter if they ran in opposite directions.

"The only thing that matters is whether or not you're going to let yourself get hurt for no reason."

Spoiler: Gladion Turn 2

Gladion (188 STM, 18 TMP, +1 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 20 RAD)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Sam
- Umbral Resentment @ Sam (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-40 STM, -15 TMP, +4 TMP, +40 SHD)
- STRONG Protect (-30 STM, +4 TMP)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- **Act:** Call @ Sam
Net change: -66 STM, -2 TMP, +20 SHD, -20 RAD
Net totals: 122 STM (190 after regen), 16 TMP, 20 SHD, 0 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[JFought]

Isidora growled in frustration as she was forced to watch Zaffre retreat while she downed her lum berry. If that damn chesnaught just hadn't targeted her...!

She spotted Phantom climb onto the balcony, where he licked his paw and pressed it into the ground. "An assist!" His shadow stretched in two directions towards her and Dave, and she felt it wrap around her like ethereal armor. Zena's healing wave came after, along with a reminder.

Right. Focus. Plan ahead. She needed to take out Zaffre, and she needed prepare the field to fight Aster. Isidora leapt onto the rooftop and locked eyes with the flygon. She drew shadow from her shoulder, and felt pain. To attempt to fight both at once would be to overextend herself. Could she not see how Zaffre's retreat into the courtyard might be a lure? How could she be so certain she could last in such an open position, so vulnerable to Articuno?

Shut up, we're winning this. Isidora expulsed her shadows into the environment and watched as they froze the rooftop. Taking out Zaffre now was too important to worry about risks. And if she couldn't handle being out in the open, even with the assistance of her teammates covering for her, then didn't that just mean Articuno was right?

"You've been a great help to this world so far. You still can be!"

Emboldened despite the chill, she rushed towards the meowstic. "We still will be!"

Spoiler: Isidora Turn 2

Isidora (240 STM, 20 TMP, +0 SPD, +5 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Rooftop W
- **Act:** Item (Lum Berry) @ Isidora
- Swords Dance (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- Umbral Isolation (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit, effect) (-40 STM, -5 TMP, +7 TMP, +32 SHD)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Aster's Defenses
- Dash to Courtyard (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Feint Attack @ Zaffre (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-12 STM, +7 TMP)
- Feint Attack @ Zaffre (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-8 STM, +7 TMP)
Net change: -78 STM, +10 TMP, +32 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 162 STM (234 after regen), 30 TMP, 32 SHD, 0 RAD

Spoiler: Phantom Turn 2

Phantom (Aux)
- SHADOW Defender Aux (Barrier) @ Isidora & Dave

Spoiler: Turn Order

- Laura
- Malachai
- Phantom
- Isidora
- Koa
- Dave
- Mhynt
- Zena
- Gladion

 

[Butterfree]

Articuno was still talking, with some sense of hesitation. Dave gritted his teeth, cold tendrils of Shadow wrapping around him. Maybe there was no point. But he could still try to get through to them.

"Look, no one's saying we shouldn't stop Arthur. Of course we need to stop him, and we're going to help. And yeah, ideally you probably would've taken action earlier about all this shit. But being hopped up on Blacklight isn't the state you want to be in when you make big important decisions. It actively fucks with your judgement."

Blacklight, Blacklight. He'd only heard that word from Starr but it seemed so goddamn familiar. Something was at the edge of his memories and he couldn't fucking grasp it.

Spoiler: Dave turn 2

Dave (217 STM, 13 TMP, +0 SPD, +3 ACC, 26 SHD, 0 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Sitrus Berry)
- Hone Claws (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- Dash to Rooftop W (-2 TMP)
- Umbral Recklessness @ Aster (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-40 STM, -3 TMP, +4 TMP, +32 SHD)
- Activate ability (Pickpocket) @ Aster's Atk
- STRONG CRITICAL Relentless Soul @ Aster (-45 STM, -6 TMP, +6 TMP)
- Walk to Balcony
Net change: -103 STM, +1 TMP, +32 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 114 STM (186 after regen), 14 TMP, 58 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Tetra]

"Then just stop fighting us and let's go stop Arthur!" Koa howled to Articuno. Giratina had done what was necessary. This was the same. Not that they'd listen. Whatever, if a fight was what the Saint wanted then a fight they'd get. He leapt into action, fisted paws sparking.

Falling into the rhythym of battle, Koa pushed aside everything else. Dodge, counter, warn Anubis of an attack. Strike, combo, thunder punch. No shadow or radiance yet, not until he needed it. His gaze landed on the Meowstic wielding a sword, his mind cobbling together an idea. "Anubis! On me!" With a shared nod, he charged his fists, then dashed. Lightning sped his movements as he zigged and zagged erratically around, circling toward her.

Anubis melted out of the shadows behind Zaffre. Sacrifcing speed for power, he loosed a point blank Dark Pulse - just enough to distract. At the same moment, Koa exploded toward her, form melting into a blur of light, and struck with a flurry of punches.

"Take that!" he called, triumphantly. Even as he backpedaled to avoid a counterstrike, he spotted Anubis, dashing for another shadow, a furious blaze in his eyes. What was he... He caught the angle of Anubis' glare. Articuno.

Anubis stepped out of a shadow as close as he dared to Articuno. His coat bristled, his inner flame flaring to battle the cold and fog. He loosed a fury laden noise between a bark and a snarl, embers enunciating his words when he spoke. "You are a Saint! One who guides others. This is not the behavior of a proper leader, of someone who others look to. Control yourself, conduct yourself better than this. You are their beacon!"

Spoiler: Turn 2

Koa (Aux)
- Brawler Strike (Electric) @ Zaffre

Anubis: Call(?)

 

[Jackie Cat]

Laura still felt the eerie lack of adrenaline in her blood – the way Blacklight rippled in her aura, leaving her feeling like her stomach was trying to empty itself, like her skin was too hot and too cold all at once. A vile shiver ran down her spine.

Nothing is right, she thought to herself, and ground the pads of her paws into her eyes, trying to focus through the haze.

Articuno had done something to her, the same as everyone else here. Could she handle it better just from having more practice? Or was it something else...?

"I need to talk to the Saint," she hissed to Malachai. "Get me there."

The dragon sent back an affirmative pulse, and swooped low to clutch her in his claws, without bleeding much velocity. Laura's stomach dropped in her abdomen as they rose sharply, and then flipped as Malachai let her go, and caught her on his back. She did not complain – she barely had the wits to.

The two of them banked past Articuno's high parapet platform, and Mal spat pulsing light at one of the snow shades, his mind roiling with the impulse to defeat his opponents. Laura gripped his mane as he screeched a war cry, trusting that he would keep his shit together once they got this thing under control...

"Articuno! Do we really need to fight?" she challenged, her voice trembling underneath the distortion in it. "I know everything seems hopeless, like it's all spiralling out of control, but you can't fix everything if you're the only one you trust to fix it!"

Laura Called out to Articuno!

Malachai (Aux)
- Caster Strike (Radiant) @ Snow Shade

 

[Jackie Cat]

Turn 2
Player Phase​

Isidora's Umbral Isolation dealt 16 damage to Aster! It's super effective!
W Rooftop became Icy!
Isidora's Spotter Feat @ Aster's Defenses! Def: 285 Res: 257
Isidora's AGILE Feint Attacks dealt 74+102 damage to Zaffre! It's super effective!

Dave's Umbral Recklessness dealt 64 damage to Aster! It's super effective! Pickpocketed Atk! Flinching!
Dave's STRONG Relentless Soul dealt a CRITICAL 102 damage to Aster!

As Gladion faced Sam and readied an attack, the shimmering emerald shield abruptly buckled, as a projectile zipped over Gladion's shoulder and impacted the Spiky Shield, breaking it. The attack didn't register in the combat network – was it from outside the battle?

"So if you don't wanna fight, if you're still in your right mind, then leave. Otherwise, I gotta knock you out. The fact I don't want to fight you anymore isn't a factor. The only thing that matters is whether or not you're going to let yourself get hurt for no reason."

Sam clenched her jaw and brought her fists up.

"Sorry, pal. I'm not going anywhere. If I'm not loyal, what am I? I'd be just like my gramps."

But there was little fight in her – no willingness to defeat Gladion, only fatalistic determination to see this through.

Mhynt's Toxic badly poisoned Sam!
Mhynt's SHADOW Leaf Blade dealt a CRITICAL 27 damage to Sam! It's super effective!
Mhynt's STRONG Soul Enervation badly debuffed Sam!

Gladion is preparing Umbral Resentment...
Gladion used STRONG Protect!
Gladion called out to Sam!
Spotter Intel: Rocky Helmet

Zena's Healer Skill restored Isidora's HP!
Koa's Thunder Strike dealt 133 damage to Zaffre! KO!!
Phantom's SHADOW Defender Skill protects Isidora & Dave!
Anubis called out to Articuno!
Laura called out to Articuno!
Malachai’s RADIANT Dragon Strike dealt 26 damage to a Snow Shade!

Mhynt was damaged by Spikes and Rocky Helmet!
Aster's Offensive Rhythm!

Turn 2
Enemy Phase​

"You are a Saint! One who guides others. This is not the behavior of a proper leader, of someone who others look to. Control yourself, conduct yourself better than this. You are their beacon!"

The bird looked down at the hound, and their gaze lingered. With so much Blacklight running through them, their stoic mask was now riven by emotion, and Anubis' words clearly haunted them.

"Then I shall be a beacon," they intoned, solemnly, even as their voice shook. "Will you not follow me into battle against he who would be king of creation? I fear... I fear to throw away this chance! I dare not fail again! I dare not hesitate—!"

Articuno spread their wings wide, and called out to the heavens above. An aurora of Radiance settled on each of their soldiers, empowering them further.

Articuno's Brilliant Decree!
Enemy units' stats rose!
Enemy units got Focus Energy!
Articuno seems afraid to squander what might be their last chance to stop Arthur.

Sam's aim was imprecise, spray-and-pray fire, an undisciplined series of sputtering projectile bursts that landed as much in the bushes and planters as on-target. Still, when her Radiance-lit mass crashed into Gladion, even his weighty Protect dissolved like spun sugar.

Sam's Bullet Seed hit Gladion's Protect! 2 hits
Sam RADIANT Focused...
Sam's STRONG RADIANT Body Press broke Gladion's Protect!
Sam's Pin Missile was aimed at Mhynt - Miss! Dodge! 15, 18, 16!
Sam took cover!

Aster's momentum faltered as she flinched, and she threw herself upon Isidora, cursing in Blacklight-distorted words.

"Think you can show me up on my home turf? Take out my partner? Motherfucker, I'm gonna take you apart!"

Aster dashed to Courtyard!
Aster's Quick Attacks were dodged by Isidora!
Aster's STRONG Dragon Ascent dealt 94 damage to Isidora!
Aster was flinching and couldn't do more.

The strange, glittering spectres of ice and psychic energy that accompanied Articuno in battle drifted in the storm, driven by a cold intelligence.

W Snow Shade moved to Courtyard
W Snow Shade used Haze! Isidora's timers were lowered.
E Snow Shade moved to Balcony
E Snow Shade used Hypnosis on Dave! Dodged!

Articuno extended a wing as if pointing towards a target for volley fire, and a volley of brilliant comets of light burst into existence from just behind them, arcing across the airspace towards their target. They smouldered where they landed, enthralling any who watched their impacts...

The Saint fixed their cold eyes on Laura, but did not raise a wing to attack her, or fire beams of psychic light from their mask.

"Ultimate responsibility lies with me," they told her, in a low voice that carried through the storm to land in her mind. "Insufficient action in a crisis is to be a bystander, to be complicit. If everyone only understood that... If you would just help me...!"

Articuno is reluctant to hurt us! Their offenses fell...!

Blacklight Lord moved to Rooftop E!
Legendary Action: Stats Boost! +2 Acc
Blacklight Lord's Shadow Ball dealt 75 damage to Isidora! It's not very effective... -1 Res
Blacklight Lord's Shining Intervention dealt 84+72 damage to Dave! It's ultra effective! -1 Spd
Blacklight Lord called out to Laura!
Blacklight Lord Focused...
N Snow Shade moved to Rooftop E

Dave and Isidora's Rhythm!
Articuno's Blacklight Veto! Focusing was disabled.
The Blacklight Coup remains in effect.
Zaffre was freed from Blacklight Coup.

Boss Attack: Blacklight Lord is preparing Void Sanction.
Target: [ENEMY UNITS GLOBALLY]

Betelgeuse here! Hello, heroic spriits. I am starting to get a handle on Articuno's exotic moves... This one appears to have an enfeebling, restricting quality, similar to Embargo. I doubt there is any escape from its reach, all but those close to Articuno will likely be affected. Perhaps Protecting yourself will lessen its impact on you somewhat?